POTENTIAL OF THE iPHONE 3GS AS A FIELD MAPPING INSTRUMENT

The proliferation of cellular telephone networks, wireless information networks, and consumer global positioning system technologies during the last decade provides opportunities for field geoscientists to rapidly evolve improved methods for field mapping. The current evolution of cellular information technology positioning systems is represented by the iPhone 3GS and its peer communications instruments. The iPhone 3GS incorporates assisted GPS capable of displaying a user’s location with horizontal accuracy of 15-30m, depending on availability of cellular transmitting facilities and skyview. Combining geopositioning capability with iPhone tracking software applications presents geoscientists with a new potential to generate digital geologic maps in real time. Mapping data acquired and saved using the iPhone 3GS and tracking software can be exported from field locations to remote users compiling information with more robust Geographic Information System platforms. Current challenges to widespread implementation of the iPhone 3GS as a field mapping instrument are 1) availability of cellular networks in remote locations and 2) improved horizontal and vertical accuracy of assisted GPS data received by the iPhone 3GS. However, the presentation will demonstrate the field mapping capabilities of the iPhone 3GS and encourage users to help fully develop its capabilities.